Update 9.32am Tuesday, January 30

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUGUSTA, DEEPDENE and HAMELIN BAY in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people bounded south of Hamelin Bay Road West to Chapman Road, west of Vansittard Road and the Blackwood River, north of Hillview Road and east of the coastline in Augusta, Deepdene and Hamelin Bay in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions may change.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire started near BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

It is burning in scrub and mixed forest on both sides of Bussell Highway. Winds are expected to strengthen over the course of the day.

What to do

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire ADVICE for surrounding areas of the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in areas including Karridale, Kudardup, Molloy Island, East Augusta and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

What to do

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving slowly in a northerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Firefighters are burning unburnt pockets within the fire boundary which will create smoke through the morning.

Safer place

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

An evacuation centre at Augusta Centennial Hall on Allnut Terrace has been reopened.

Update 6.33am Tuesday, January 30

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUGUSTA, DEEPDENE and HAMELIN BAY in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people bounded south of Hamelin Bay Road West to Chapman Road, west of Vansittard Road and the Blackwood River, north of Hillview Road and east of the coastline in Augusta, Deepdene and Hamelin Bay in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is burning in the area and the conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire started near BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

It is burning in scrub and mixed forest on both sides of Bussell Highway.

What to do

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire ADVICE for surrounding areas of the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in areas including Karridale, Kudardup, Molloy Island, East Augusta and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

There is a lot of smoke in the area.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

What to do

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving slowly in a northerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Firefighters are burning unburnt pockets within the fire boundary which will create smoke through the morning.

Safer place

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

Update 5.01pm Monday, January 29

Bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING for parts of AUGUSTA in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people bounded by Stockdill Road, Bussell Highway, Challis Road, Blackwood River, Green Hill Road and Caves Road in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

Homes between West Bay Creek Road and Challis Road, inlcuding O'Halloran Place are under threat by fire now.

The fire started near the intersection of BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

What to do

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUGUSTA in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people bounded by Bussell Highway, Hamelin Bay Road West, the coastline, Hillview Road AND people bounded by Bussell Highway, Fisher Road and Challis Road in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire started near BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

What to do

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire ADVICE for surrounding areas of the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in areas including Karridale, Kudardup, Molloy Island and East Augusta and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

What to do

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving fast in a northerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Safer place

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

Margaret River Cultural Centre is open for people located in areas north of the fire. The centre is located on Wallcliffe Road.

Augusta Centennial Hall is open for people located in areas south of the fire. The hall is located on Allnut Terrace.

Be aware that only essential items can be taken into these centres. Alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.

Place of last resort

If you cannot shelter in your home, a safer place you can go to is a local open space, beach, shed, swimming pool, dam or building.

This may give you some protection from the effects of a bushfire.

Take water, woollen blankets and wear protective clothing.

Road closures and conditions

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Bussell Highway is closed between Fisher Road and Donovan Street.

If you are in an area south of the fire and plan to leave, you need to go Augusta.

If you are north of the fire and plan to leave, you need to go to Margaret River.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR by contacting the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

Pets

If evacuating with cats and dogs, Bridgetown Boarding Kennels will board them at no charge. ID is required.

Update 3.45pm Monday, January 29

Alert level

A bushfire EMERGENCY WARNING has been issued for people bounded by Bussell Highway, Stockdill Road, Caves Road and Green Hill Road near Augusta.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

The fire started near the intersection of BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

It is burning in the vicinity of Bussell Highway and Caves Road. Poole Road could be imacted in the next hour..

What do do

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of AUGUSTA in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people bounded by Bussell Highway, Hamelin Bay Road West, the coastline, Hillview Road and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching in the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire started near BUSSELL HWY and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in AUGUSTA.

What to do

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire ADVICE for surrounding areas of the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER

Alert level

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in areas including Karridale, Kudardup, Molloy Island and East Augusta and surrounding areas in the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

What to do

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Road closures

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Caves Road from Stockdill Road to Bussell Highway in both directions.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR by contacting the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.

Earlier

A bushfire emergency warning has been issued for people bounded by Bussell Highway, Caves Road, Green Hill Road, Jane Road and Palmdale Avenue Road near Augusta.

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

The fire started near the Busselton Highway and Westbay Retreat Caravan Park in Augusta.

It is burning on both sides of Bussell Highway in paddocks.

What to do

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

Bushfire advice for southern parts of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River

Alert level

A bushfire advice has been issued for people in areas including Deepdene, Molloy Island and East Augusta and surrounding areas.

There is no threat to lives or homes.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

What to do

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

If driving

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

Bushfire behaviour

The bushfire is moving fast in a north westerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

Road closures and conditions

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Caves Road from Stockdill Road to Bussell Highway in both directions.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au OR by contacting the SHIRE OF AUGUSTA-MARGARET RIVER.